The course is designed for those learners who want to acquire an internationally recognised qualification and improve their information and communication technology (ICT) skill set and become a expert user.
Course Level: BCS Level 3
Advanced Certificate = 29 credits
Point To Note: You can view the various Levels of BCS certifications/qualifications for awards/certificates/diplomas/degrees by clicking the Download the ITQ & HEQ Qualifications Guide link at the bottom of this page.
The tests cover all BCS ICDL units where a learner will take the test on a computer at a Dedicated Test Centre, and this offers instant results to the learner.
The tests vary in length and time allowance dependant on unit taken (45 to 90 minutes).
BCS is responsible for Quality Assuring the tests.
All tests are invigilated by a BCS registered invigilator.
The pass mark is 75% (pass or fail only) for all units with the exception of Improving Productivity Using IT (IPU) which is explained below.
The IPU unit is broken down into 2 sections:
Learners should use skills gained in previous IT User units to complete scenario-based assessments which prove their understanding of using IT to improve productivity in a practical work style environment.
To successfully pass the IPU unit, and the full qualification, learners are required to achieve:
- at least 75% in the knowledge section; and
- at least 75% of the tasks within the performance section.
The aim of these nationally recognised IT user qualifications is to:
- improve learners' knowledge and understanding of IT
- develop skills to work effectively and efficiently using IT
- provide proof of IT competence (certified)
- allow progression to employment or further study.
There are no formal entry requirements for these qualifications. It is expected that an initial assessment (IA) has taken place between the respective learner and the Approved Centre's staff member to ensure that the learner is capable of reaching the required standards.
When you book your BCS accredited course with us, you will be provided with the resources you will need, which includes;
- BCS Registration Form
- BCS Learner Agreement
- BCS Policies & Procedures
- Obtaining or creating your unique learner number (ULN) on the UK Learner Records Service (UKLRS) portal to register and record your achievements
- BCS registration for you to obtain your BCS identification number from the awarding body
- Provide a learner with all the Course Learning Materials to complete the units and gain certification
- We provide all our learners with BCS approved learning materials only for all our accredited qualifications
- Setting-Up your E-Learning (cloud-based platform) BCS learning account
- Technical assistance and support for any platform issues
- Provide a learner with his/her progress report
- 1 diagnostic test for each unit - to test your knowledge and skills before the live test
- 1st live test for each unit is included in the course fee for the mandatory units only but excludes BCS invigilator's fee or any other subsequent resits for the live tests/exams
- The Flexi/Single unit course includes all the above resources but excludes the live test and/or the BCS invigilator's fees
- Award or Advanced Certificate.
Technical assistance and support via email or scheduled phone call or video conferencing.
Point to note: We recommend that you commit 1 to 2 hours per day studying for your course.
A learner needs to book his/her invigilated live test, 5 to 7 working days in advance or 10 working days in advance if reasonable adjustments are required prior to taking the live test, we will then setup your live test and assign a BCS registered invigilator to invigilate the live test. We will provide you with your Live test booking form together with other additional forms you will need.
*Working days - Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 5:00pm. We’re closed on public holidays.
You will have 52 weeks to complete your course from your registration start date, we will remind you one month in advance by email of your completion end date, if you need any additional course extension to complete your course, you will need to make a request in writing or emailing us at the following email address, charles@startsmart.asia or writing to us.
Please bear in mind that each live test invigilated by a BCS registered invigilator or additional course extension (annual) or additional live test resit will incur additional fee(s), see price list below,
- Annual BCS Account Renewal (only 2 allowed) - 2nd and 3rd year: £30 pounds each renewal
- Booking each live test (exam) - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th live test: £50 pounds per live test
- Booking Assessment Test - £60 per assessment test
- BCS registered invigilator's fee - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th live test: £50 pounds each booking
- Ordering extra copy of a certificate - £30 pounds each certificate
- Ordering a confirmation letter of achievement - £30 pounds each letter.
We'll purchase the above services on behalf of our customers and there will be an administrative fee of £30 charged for each booking, or renewal or order.
A learner needs to inform us of any special education needs or disabilities to ensure we can provide reasonable adjustments or special considerations where relevant so that there are no unnecessary barriers for the learner.
Assessment test is the process of evaluating an individual’s skills, knowledge, ability and experience through the use of tests or assessment tools to ensure that a student is enrolled on the right course or for an employer to evaluate a candidate for a particular job or role in the hiring process.
Benefits of using assessment tests or tools.
- Assist educators to make an informed decision when enrolling learners onto a course.
- Allow HR departments to assess their employee’s current IT skill set and invest in training to improve productivity using IT.
- Enable employers to evaluate a candidate when hiring for a particular job role.
- Allows an individual to evaluate his/her current level of skills, knowledge, ability and experience of his/her IT skill set.
How are assessment tests conducted?
Manual Testing
Assessment tests are conducted manually on a computer, either face to face or using video conferencing platform, the test is based on knowledge and performance tasks. It takes 1 hour to complete the assessment test i.e. 45 minutes for the performance test and 15 minutes for the knowledge test and the pass mark are 75% for knowledge test and 75% for the performance test. You will need to score 75% in each test for both tests to pass the assessment test. The assessment test will be sent to be marked by a BCS registered marker and it takes between 3 to 5 working days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) to receive your results.
Automated Testing
All assessment tests are conducted online (automated testing) with instant results.
For assessment test fee, see price list above.
